First pro-marijuana legalization ad features former Boston cop

A former Boston cop stars in the first television ad sponsored by advocates for legalizing marijuana in the Bay State.

The ad, produced by the Yes on 4 campaign,features retired officer Tom Nolan, who is now an associate professor of criminology and the director of graduate programs in criminology atMerrimackCollege.

In the spot which premiered this week, Nolan calls voting yes on Question 4 a “smart choice to protect families,” noting that the law requires labeling, child-proof packaging and bans advertising to minors. He also notes smoking marijuana in public would continue to be banned under the proposal.

“It will tax and regulate marijuana for adults 21 and over, bringing millions in revenue for schools or law enforcement,” Nolan concludes. “Vote yes on four: smart regulations protecting families.”

Those opposed to the measure had a different take, with No on 4 campaign manager Nick Bayerproviding MassLive.comwith a dismissive response.

"This is a shameless attempt to deceive voters because the reality is Question 4 authorizes the sale of high potency pot edibles likecandies andgummiesthat are inherently attractive to kids, and allows for advertising pot on TV, billboards and the internet where it's sure to be seen by our teens," he wrote.

"Question 4 would mean more drugged driving problems and less control for homeowners and communities, all reasons doctors, nurses and police chiefs all oppose Question 4.”

Arecent WBZ/UMass pollfound that while 53 percent of voters support Question 4, more than 40 percent said it would bother them if a marijuana store opened in their neighborhood.

Five other states are voting on whether to legalize the recreational use of marijuana this November, including Arizona, California, Maine and Nevada.

Colorado, Alaska, Oregon, Washington state and the District of Columbia have all already adopted similar measures.